101
Where and how did sock monkeys originate?
Sock dolls were popular around the 1900's. A sock monkey is a type of
stuffed toy fashioned in the likeness of a monkey. Originally made from
discarded workmen’s socks in the 19th century, sock monkeys remain a
popular toy to this day, although not as prevalent as teddy bears. The Nelson
Knitting Mills in Rockford Illinois first made the original Rockford red
heeled sock in 1890. In 1920 the mill soon began packaging the directions
for the sock monkeys with each pair of socks after a customer fashioned a
doll and sent it to the company. The manner in which sock monkeys are made
and the materials used in their creation remain largely unchanged from the
initial toys, though great variety exists. Indeed, many modern sock monkeys
aren't even made from socks at all.
FYI- The Original Rockford Red Heel sock can be
bought online… but they are very expensive
DESCRIPTION
From Fox River® — Born & Raised in the USA.
Soft cotton blend that absorbs moisture
Lightweight, flat jersey knit design
Smooth, flat toe seams
No joke — Sock Monkey doll instructions included
Design: The Original Rockford Red Heel® Monkey Sock is a classic. Made from a soft
cotton & acrylic blend to absorb moisture. Fox River® is a Wisconsin company (now
based in Iowa) that's produced quality knitted handwear and socks since 1900.
Medium fits men's shoes sizes 6 to 8 1/2
Large fits men's shoe sizes 9 - 11 1/2
Possibilities: With shoes or without — your feet will thank you.
Material: 87% cotton, 10% polyester, 2% acrylic, 1% spandex. Machine wash. Made in
the USA.
Men's Red Heel® Monkey Socks
Item # 40428-1X13
$ 14.50 ----- yikes! Too much $$$
Planetmonkey on esty
So much for the introductions…
Just how are we going to make
them?
Over the next several
slides… you will be
given the step by step
instructions with visual
aids… to complete your
very own sock monkey.
MATERIALS:
1 pair of men's extra large (size 12-13) socks; preferably Original Rockford red Heel
socks.
Poly-Fiberfil stuffing or cotton batting. Or. Stuff with- cut up old nylon stockings or
shredded foam rubber
1 spool of white thread
red yarn
black embroidery thread
Optional two black buttons for eyes
Start with one
sock…
Create the Body
and the Legs.
1. INSTRUCTIONS:
Sock #1, body and legs:
A. Turn sock inside out and create a center line from the white heel to the top of the
sock. Mark a line 3" away from the white heel, across the sock. Mark a notch 1 1/2"
away from white heel on the center line. This wil form the legs.
B. Beginning at the 3" line, stitch a line 1/4" away from the right side of the center
line and stop 1/4" away from the top edge of sock. Pivot and sew a line across the
top of the sock to the outside edge. Repeat on left side. Cut sock open on the center
line down to the 1 1/2" notch.
C. Turn sock right-side out and stuff
using opening between legs. When body
and legs are completely stuffed,
overcast the opening to close hole.
On the next slide… the same
step again… explained a little
different...
1. Turn the sock inside out.
2. Lay the sock so the heel is facing toward you. The toes are the top of the sock, and the
opening is the bottom of the sock (see picture).
3. Use a ruler to find the center of the sock and, with a pen, mark the center line of the sock
from 1 1/2" below the white heel to the bottom opening.
4. Starting 3" below the white heal, sew a seam 1/2" away from the center line, down toward
the bottom opening, to form a leg. Curve the seam down at the bottom opening to form
rounded feet.
5. Repeat previous step on opposite side of center line to form other leg.
6. Cut along the center line until 1 1/2" below the white heal. This should leave a hole in the
"crotch" of the monkey for turning.
7. Turn sock right side out.
8. Through the "crotch" hole fill firmly with stuffing.
Whip stitch "crotch" close with off white thread.
You are half way there!
Sock #2
The mouth, arms, tail, ears and
the hat...
Cutting the pieces:
Cutting the pieces:
1. Fold the sock flat in a side profile position (see picture).
2. For the hat, cut out the white toe area of the sock, leaving about 3/4" area of brown
around the cut out.
3. For the tail, measure 1" in from the top fold and mark line with pen. Cut along the mark to
form one long, 2" wide rectangle.
4. For the mouth, cut out the white and red heal area, leaving a 1/2" area of brown around
the cut out, to turn under.
5. For the arms, cut the remaining area above the heel into two rectangular pieces.
For the ears, use the remaining piece of sock below the heel. With the sock doubled, cut out 2
identical half circles - because the sock is double you should end up with 4 pieces.
Preparing and attaching the pieces:
ARMS:
Cut the upper part of the sock into two pieces. Seam, rounding the ends and stuff the
arms.
MOUTH:
Cut the heel from the sock, leaving a brown edge around the white. Fasten on lower part
of the face, whip-stitching around the bottom; stuff and finish sewing around the top.
The mouth can be improved by a running stitch of either black or white across the middle
of the lips.
TAIL:
Cut a one inch strip, taper to end of cuff on length of front of sock. Seam and stuff.
EARS:
Cut the ears from the remaining brown part of the sole of the sock.
EYES:
Sew on moving eyes, buttons, felt, or embroider with black thread. (For very small
children embroider the eyes.)
CAP: (Optional)
Cut off toe of another sock, leaving 1/2 inch of brown to roll for a brim. Sometimes a fez
is used for a cap.
Mouth:
Place on front of monkey's
face about 1" below white edge.
Whip stitch top edge of mouth
section first to secure, and stuff.
Sew around bottom of the mouth
to close.
Ears:
Place on sides of monkey's
head and whip stitch in place.
May choose to do a small
running stitch 1/8" in from
edge of ear to create rim.
Tail and Arms:
Attach tail at the seat of the monkey center in red of heel.
Whipstitch closed.
Secure arms on either side of monkey's body with whipstitch.
For the tail, fold the rectangle in half the long way, with right sides together. From the brown end
stitch a 1/4" seam down the long side of the rectangle, curving the seam at the bottom to form a
rounded tail end. Turn right side out, and then fill firmly with stuffing. The tail should be positioned
in the center of the red heel or "butt" on the body of the monkey. Turn under 1/4" around the
opening and whip stitch tail to monkey body.
For the hat, roll brown area up to form brim.
Lightly fill with stuffing.
Position hat on top of head,
then whip stitch inside edge of brim to monkey body.
This monkey did not
receive any ears...
Instructions for a Fabulous Fez
Sometimes… the hat is made from
Felt and this is a pattern…
If you wish, Ms. Adamschek has
detailed instructions to create a
fabulous fez hat instead of the sock
hat.
Different sock monkey doll makers
cut the body parts from different areas
of the sock, have different size and
shaped pieces, and attach the body
parts in different places. Various
placements of the eyes, ears, mouth,
arms, tail, and hat give each handmade
monkey a distinctive and unique personality.
Before attaching the pieces, don't be afraid
to move them around to determine
where YOU like them best.
To further personalize your monkey,
dress him or her up!
Finishing:
* All finishing techniques are
entirely up to the creator.
There is no right or wrong way!
The following suggestions are
based on a typical sock monkey style:
Sew button eyes on face of monkey,
Or embroider eyes.
You may choose to embroider eyelashes.
Embroider line across center of mouth,
and embroider nostrils.
Add red yarn pom-poms to
hands, feet, around neck
and on top of hat.
Good Luck…
and enjoy making
the monkeys.
Everyone will be
unique!
How to Sew a Sock Monkey
A sock monkey is a popular kid's toy traditionally made out of a pair of socks. Store bought sock
monkeys can be rather expensive, but making one at home won't break the bank, and is a great
project to make with your children. Traditional sock monkeys are made out of redford red heel
socks,but you can use socks of all shapes, colors and sizes to create your own unique sock
monkey.
FYI- This website has another set of instructions you could find useful
http://www.ehow.com/how_83
23986_sew-sock-monkey.html
And after you are
done… and still
need a challenge
The Original Rockford Red Heel Sock
Elephant
Instructions:
In addition to the famous sock monkey.
Ms. Adamschek can give you a pattern
to create an elephant… if you want to.
THE END